Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Satruday announced the completion of the south tube of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, with the grand opening of the tunnel set to be held early next year.
The prime minister joined the celebrations over the completion of the south tube virtually from her official residence, Ganabhaban. The event was held in Chittagong.
The overall progress of the tunnel was at 94%, Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus told reporters while visiting the event venue on Friday, adding that it would be opened to the public in January.
"The tunnel will greatly improve the traffic situation in Chittagong and promote the economic development of the country.”
Dhaka TribuneThe tunnel is expected to slash the time it takes one to travel from Anwara to Patenga to just two and a half minutes. It currently takes over an hour – and sometimes two – to cross the Karnaphuli River using the Shah Amanat Bridge.
Bridges Division Secretary Md Monjur Hossain said the tunnel would be a source of pride and dignity for Bangladesh as it would once again demonstrate the country's ability to build a mega structure.
Karnaphuli Tunnel first such project in South Asia
Addressing the celebrations yesterday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the Bangabandhu tunnel under the Karnaphuli River was the first such project in South Asia and an astonishing example of infrastructure.
“Bangladesh is now a changed country, and no one will be able to stop its ongoing progress and advancement,” she said.
The prime minister said that after the inauguration of the Karnaphuli Tunnel next month, road communication between Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, and Dhaka would become much easier and faster.
Besides, the country's economy will benefit from increased momentum and tourism, while economic activities, trade and commerce in the entire Chittagong region will be further expanded and strengthened, she added.
Karnaphuli Tunnel has been constructed to develop Chittagong city under the “One City, Two Towns” model like Shanghai of China, she said.
Dhaka TribuneThe PM said that the new town at the Anwara end of the Karnaphuli Tunnel will be developed in a planned manner, while steps have been taken to connect Cox's Bazar with Dhaka and Chittagong through a rail link.
Referring to the development of the region, Sheikh Hasina said Chittagong is a crucial commercial city of Bangladesh and her government had been implementing a major program for its development.
‘Awami League developing nation at unbeatable pace'
The Awami League always thinks of innovative ways to have the nation forge ahead at an unbeatable pace, Sheikh Hasina said yesterday.
“The Awami League always thinks in line with the modern era,” she added.
The prime minister urged a section of people who refuse to acknowledge the development of the country under the AL government to “have their eyes checked.”
“Many do not see our development initiatives… If they have difficulties in seeing, they can go to the doctor. We have established a very good Institute of ophthalmology. They can go there for treatment; they might see everything,” she said.
She also said that if anyone wants to remain blind, then nothing can be done.
“I think there are some people in our opposition parties who are blind, despite having functioning eyes. They pretend not to see anything… They do not have the ability to do anything… In the future, they will not be able to do anything either. They will not be capable of giving anything to the country,” the PM said.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam and Bridges Division Secretary Md Monjur Hossain also spoke at the program.
A documentary on the Karnaphuli Tunnel was screened, followed by a cultural program.
